Cameroon Budget Travel

Fast Facts

Currency
Communaute Financiare Africane Franc (CFA)

Dialing Code
237

AIDS

The Cameroon HIV/AIDS condition is extremely prevalent, and affects a large percentage of the population. A large number of adults and children are living with HIV or AIDS, and despite awareness and treatment campaigns, extreme poverty and overcrowding only worsens the crisis. Lack of adequate health care and retrovirals is also a major problem in Cameroon.

Airports

Birdlife

Cameroon birdlife is rich and abundant, despite the threat of habitat loss which has caused a marked decrease in certain species. There are a large number of endangered or near extinct species of bird in Cameroon, which makes the country one of Africa's top birding destinations due to the rarity and beauty of the fragile ecosystems in the remaining rainforests.

Conservation

Cameroon conservation is vital to protect the country's natural resources against further damage and ecosystem loss. Currently, Cameroon has one of the most fragile environmental statuses in Africa, and faces major threats from land abuse, deforestation, poaching, overfishing, overgrazing, fires, volcanic activity, insect swarms and pollution. Conservation efforts to balance these factors are being implemented however.

Culture

Cameroon cultures include the following:
• Performing arts and music play an important role in festivals and gatherings
• Arts and crafts are practiced around the country and vary per tribal group
• Cameroon cuisine has a strong social element
• Literature and film have European and African influences
• Local customs and traditions are present in all ethnic groups

Customs

Cameroon customs laws allow the following items regardless of age:
• 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars or five packets of tobacco.
• One bottle of alcoholic beverage
• Five bottles of perfume

Health

Cameroon health issues should not affect your travels, but basic precautions are essential to stay healthy on your visit. With very basic healthcare facilities which can only be found in larger towns, and a number of infectious and / or serious diseases in the country, it is essential to take these precautions when travelling in Cameroon.

Malaria

Money

Cameroon money and banking information is as follows:
• Banking hours are Monday to Friday from 07h30 to 15h30
• Cameroon's currency is the CFA Franc and centimes
• Visa cards are accepted in some restaurants and shops, but only in major cities
• Currency can be converted at select foreign exchange facilities
• There are Western Union branches in most towns and cities

Plants

With a wide and diverse range of habitats spanning from rainforest to coastal areas, Cameroon plant life is rich and varied. Many species can be found across the county's vegetation regions, with some of the country's finest natural vegetation to be found in reserves such as Abong-Mbang, Fungom and Babules protected forests.

Population

A July 2005 UN estimate puts the Cameroon population at 17,795,000.

Religion

Safety Tips

Cameroon safety tips include the following:
• The Eastern Provinces, Central African Republic border and Lake Chad region are unsafe for travel
• The Nigeria border and Bakassi Peninsula areas are also unsafe
• Avoid large crowds and street demonstrations which may turn violent
• Keep valuables and money out of sight, especially in crowded areas
• Petty crime may be present in the cities of Yaounde, Douala, Kribi and Maroua

What To Pack

What to pack for Cameroon safaris:
• Loose, lightweight clothing with long sleeves
• Warm jacket for chilly evenings and rain gear for wet season
• Sunglasses, sunscreen and sunhat
• Sleeping bag and camping mattress as well as a torch
• Camera and binoculars (plus spare batteries and film or memory)

When To Go

When to go to Cameroon:
• The north has rains from April/May to September/October
• The hottest months are from March to May, with temperatures reaching 40Â°C
• The south is humid with scattered rain throughout the year
• The dry months from November to February are the best time to visit
• July to October is the worst time to visit, as these are the wettest months

Wildlife

Cameroon wildlife includes a number of endemic species as well as a large number of endangered or threatened species - most notably primate species in the mountain areas due to bushmeat and poaching. Game is particularly rich in the mountain and rainforest areas, which provide a diverse and abundant habitat, which faces major threat from the country's environmental issues and natural habitat loss.